During archaeological excavations in an ancient city, which is characterized as the “Pair of the Black Sea”, a unique amulet representing the figure of the Prophet Solomon was discovered and is approximately 1,600 years old.
Under the auspices of the Department of Archaeology, Karabük University, Associate Professor Dr. Ersin Çelikbaş, is the head of the excavations that have brought to light, to date, two baths, two temples, a defensive structure, stone mounds, a theater, an arched and a vaulted structure, a cavity in a wall – a cult monument, fortifications, mansions , more monuments and some cult – religious sites.
The excavations are taking place in Adrianople, the historical city of today’s Turkey, in Eastern Thrace, very close to the borders with Greece and Bulgaria. It was founded by Orestes, according to mythology, and bore the name Orestiada. It was renamed Adrianople by Emperor Hadrian.
The characteristics of the find
Dr. Ersin Çelikbaş said: “This week, we brought to light one of them, during the excavations carried out in the structure that we characterize ‘SDJ-3′. It is an important find for the archeology of Anatolia. Similar ones have never been found in this geographical area. What is this artifact? It is a necklace whose jewel was used as a talisman.”
Çelikbaş stated that what makes the find important are the inscriptions on both sides and its depiction and adds the following:
“It represents the prophet Solomon on a horse, holding a spear in his hand and piercing the devil. Why is this illustration important? Because Solomon is important in all 3 holy religions. In Judaism and the Bible he is referred to as a ruler, while in Islam he is referred to as a prophet as well as a ruler. In other words, the depiction of the Prophet Solomon, who is important to Abrahamic religions, on this necklace really surprised us and showed us that this is an important artifact for Anatolian archaeology.”
Explaining that the inscription on the locket reads “Our Lord has defeated evil”, Çelikbaş notes: “Then why was this locket, this amulet found here? In fact, the military character of the ancient city of Edirne has an impact on it. And what is this? We had established the existence of a cavalry unit in Edirne with specific evidence as a result of archaeological excavations in previous years.”
On the front side of the pendant, it is stated that the Prophet Solomon and our Lord defeated the devil. On the reverse, the names of four holy angels are written: Azrael, Gabriel, Michael and Israel.
Çelikbaş explained: “It is very important. No other similar artefact has been found in Anatolian archeology to date.”
Source: www.enikos.gr
